Multi-positional mount for personal electronic devices with a magnetic interface

ABSTRACT

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/689,632 filed Aug. 29, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/526,350 filed Oct. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,765,921 issued Sep. 19, 2017, which is a continuation of Ser. No.14/098,043 filed Dec. 5, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,146 issued Oct.28, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/485,894 filed May 31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,376 issued Dec.10, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/491,640, filed May 31, 2011, all of whichapplications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety forall purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a stand for holdinghandheld electronic devices; and more specifically, a stand that canhold the device in a multitude of positions or locations.

2. Description of Related Art

Personal electronic equipment such as cellular phones and handheld touchscreen computers are generally designed so as to be held by the operatorin one hand while screen input is given to the device with the thumb orwith the other free hand. While these methods of touch screen operationare good while on the go, or during a quick interaction with the device;the operator may wish to use the touch screen to display informationwithout holding it or to type with one or both hands without holding thedevice.

Prior methods of holding handheld electronic devices have proved limitedin either the positions the devices can be held or to which surfaces thedevices can be quickly attached.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a stand assembly for holding handheldelectronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the stand assembly is comprised oftwo sections: the first section is comprised of a first end shaped torest stably on a flat surface and a second end with a generally curvedshape and constructed of a magnetic material; the second section beingcomprised of a front surface having an indentation to accept thegenerally curved end of the first section and a back surface comprisingeither a means for attaching to a surface or said front and backsurfaces being contiguous with a handheld electronic device, aprotective cover, or other item. The second section is further comprisedof either being made from or including a magnet to attract magneticmaterial. The first and second sections of this embodiment of theinvention are capable of being securely attached through the magneticinteraction of the curved end of the first section and the indentationon the front surface of the second section.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can hasa means to mount to surfaces such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sidedtape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable meanscommonly known to those who practice in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a secondsection with a back surface with a means to mount a surface such as:screws, glue, epoxy, two sided tape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties,Velcro, or any suitable means commonly known to those who practice inthe art.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can beshaped to fit into the socket of an automobile cigarette lighter outlet.

Another embodiment of the present invention would also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can beshaped to attach to irregular surfaces by way of a spring loaded orscrew type clamp.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises ahigh-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial, on the outer contact surface of the front of the magnetizedsecond section. This allows the handheld electronic device to be removedfrom the first section and placed on a vertical magnetic surface withoutslipping.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises ahigh-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial, on either the indentation on the front surface of the secondsection or the curved end of the first section. This prevents theindentation on the front surface of the second section from slipping onthe curved end of the first section by creating friction to opposegravity or other forces that may act on the magnetic coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1. FIGURES

FIG. 1A (on Sheet 1) illustrates a side view of a stand assembly whichincludes the first and second sections attached together and to ahandheld device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B (on Sheet 1) illustrates a side view of the stand assembly ofFIG. 1A rotated 90 degrees according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1C (on Sheet 1) illustrates an oblique side view of a standassembly showing the back surface of a second section where it attachesto a handheld device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1D (on Sheet 1) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a standassembly showing a high-friction elastomeric material that rubs againsta generally curved end of a first section according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 (on Sheet 2) illustrates a stand assembly placed on a flatsurface and attached to a handheld electronic device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 (on Sheet 3) illustrates a stand assembly adapted to connect tothe cigarette lighter receptacle of an automobile according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 (on Sheet 3) illustrates a stand assembly adapted to include aspring loaded clamp for attaching a stand assembly to an irregularsurface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2. REFERENCES

1. First Section of Stand Assembly

2. Indentation In Second Section of Stand Assembly

3. Curved end of the First Section

4. Second Section of Stand Assembly

5. End of First Section Shaped To Rest Stably On a Flat Surface

6. Means For Attaching to Second Section to a Surface

7. Handheld Device

8. Flat Surface

9. High-Friction Elastomeric Material, or Similar friction ProducingMaterial, On The Indentation On The Front Surface of The Second Section

10. High-Friction Elastomeric Material, or Similar Friction ProducingMaterial, On The Outer Contact Surface of The Front of The SecondSection

11. Magnetic Material

12. Stem to Engage Into The Cigarette Lighter Receptacle of anAutomobile

13. Spring Loaded Jaws To Clamp Onto Irregular Surfaces

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.However, the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and manyadditional embodiments of this invention are possible. For example thisinvention is shown in use with portable electronic devises; however thisinvention is not intended to be limited to portable electronic devices.It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention isthereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in theillustrated devices, and such further application of the principles ofthe invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g.,arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with thespecification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire writtendescription of this invention. As used in the following description, theterms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, aswell as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to theorientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawingfigure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D all depict an embodiment of a multi-positionalstand assembly for a handheld device comprised of two sections. The 1first section has a 5 first end shaped so as to rest stably on a flatsurface and a 3 second curved end constructed of a magnetic material.The 4 second section includes an 2 indentation for receiving the 3second curved end of the 1 first section, a 6 means for connecting the 4second section to an optional 7 handheld device, a 11 magnetic materialfor attracting the 3 second curved end of the 1 first section, a 9high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial on the indentation on the front surface of the 4 second sectionfor arresting slipping of the 4 second section relative to the 1 firstsection, and a 10 high-friction elastomeric material, or similarfriction producing material on the outer contact surface of the 4 secondsection to hold the 4 second section to a vertical surface when the 1first section is removed. The 1 first and 4 second sections of thisembodiment of the invention are capable of being securely attachedthrough the magnetic interaction of the 3 curved end of the firstsection and the 2 indentation on the front surface of the 4 secondsection.

While not pictured, the 4 second section can also comprise either ameans for attaching to a surface such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sidedtape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable meanscommonly known to those who practice in the art; or the front and backsurfaces of the 4 second section can be contiguous with a 7 handheldelectronic device, a protective cover, or other item. The second sectioncan also be comprised of either being made from a magnetic material.

While not pictured, the 1 first section can also comprise a flat endsuitable for resting on a flat surface with a means for attaching to asurface such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sided tape, hooks, snaps,links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable means commonly known tothose who practice in the art.

When the 1 first section is connected to the 4 second section andattached to a 7 handheld device, the 7 handheld device can be movedfreely to a multitude of positions. Since the amount of leverage the 7handheld device has on the 3 curved end of the first section and 2indentation on the front surface of the second section varies dependingon the 7 handheld device's position, the use of a 9 high-frictionelastomeric material, or similar friction producing material on theindentation on the front surface of the 4 second section for arrestingslipping of the 4 second section relative to the 1 first sectioneliminates the potential slipping of the 1 first and 4 second sections,or the need for use of 11 magnetic material of such strength as to makedisconnecting the 1 first and 4 second sections difficult.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention where the 1 first sectionhas a 5 second end shaped to rest stably on a 8 flat surface such as atable, desk or the like. FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of theinvention where the 1 first section includes a 12 stem to engage intothe cigarette lighter receptacle of an automobile, this stem could alsobe adapted to engage any sort of plug. FIG. 4 depicts another embodimentof the invention where the 1 first section also comprises 13 springloaded jaws to clamp onto irregular surfaces although any similar meansfor clamping could be used.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this invention also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope ofthe claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, butrather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Manyother variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of this inventionshould be determined not by the embodiments, but by the applied claimsand their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand assembly comprising: a first sectionhaving a first end shaped with a curved surface, said curved surface ofsaid first section constructed of a first magnetic material; and asecond section having a front surface, said front surface having anindentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curved end ofsaid first section and being of a size which can encompass a portion,but less than the whole diameter, of said curved end of said firstsection, said second section having a second magnetic material capableof holding said first and said second sections together, wherein thesecond section includes a first piece of friction producing material,the friction producing material on an outer contact surface of thesecond section, adjacent to the second magnetic material and furtherfrom a center point of the indentation than the second magneticmaterial.
 2. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the second magneticmaterial directly interfaces with the curved surface.
 3. The standassembly of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic material contacts thecurved surface.
 4. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the frontsurface having an indentation, said indentation capable of receivingsaid curved end of said first section and being of a size which canencompass a portion, but less than the whole diameter, of said curvedsurface of said first section, said second section having the secondmagnetic material configured to securely attach to the first sectionthrough magnetic interaction of the curved surface of the first sectionwith the indentation on the front surface of the second section.
 5. Thestand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprisesa means for laying stably flat on a surface.
 6. The stand assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the friction producing material is high-frictionmaterial
 7. A stand assembly comprising: a first section having a firstend shaped with a curved surface, said curved surface of said firstsection constructed of a first magnetic material; and a second sectionhaving a front surface, said front surface having an indentation, saidindentation capable of receiving said curved end of said first sectionand being of a size which can encompass a portion, but less than thewhole diameter, of said curved end of said first section, said secondsection having a second magnetic material capable of holding said firstand said second sections together, wherein the second section includes afirst piece of friction producing material, the friction producingmaterial on an outer contact surface of the second section, having aring shape adjacent to the second magnetic material.
 8. The standassembly of claim 7, wherein the second magnetic material directlyinterfaces with the curved surface.
 9. The stand assembly of claim 7,wherein the second magnetic material contacts the curved surface. 10.The stand assembly of claim 7, wherein the front surface having anindentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curved end ofsaid first section and being of a size which can encompass a portion,but less than the whole diameter, of said curved surface of said firstsection, said second section having the second magnetic materialconfigured to securely attach to the first section through magneticinteraction of the curved surface of the first section with theindentation on the front surface of the second section.
 11. The standassembly of claim 7, wherein said first section further comprises ameans for laying stably flat on a surface.
 12. A stand assemblycomprising: a first section having a first end shaped with a curvedsurface, said curved surface of said first section constructed of afirst magnetic material; and a second section having a front surface,said front surface having an indentation, said indentation capable ofreceiving said curved end of said first section and being of a sizewhich can encompass a portion, but less than the whole diameter, of saidcurved end of said first section, said second section having a secondmagnetic material capable of holding said first and said second sectionstogether, wherein the second section includes a first piece of frictionproducing material, the friction producing material on an outer contactsurface of the second section, surrounding the second magnetic material.13. The stand assembly of claim 12, wherein the second magnetic materialdirectly interfaces with the curved surface.
 14. The stand assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the second magnetic material contacts the curvedsurface.
 15. The stand assembly of claim 12, wherein the front surfacehaving an indentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curvedend of said first section and being of a size which can encompass aportion, but less than the whole diameter, of said curved surface ofsaid first section, said second section having the second magneticmaterial configured to securely attach to the first section throughmagnetic interaction of the curved surface of the first section with theindentation on the front surface of the second section.
 16. The standassembly of claim 12, wherein said second section further comprises aback surface with a means for attaching to a surface.
 17. The standassembly of claim 12, wherein said second section further comprisesbeing contiguous with a protective cover.
 18. The stand assembly ofclaim 12, wherein said first section further comprises a means forattaching to a flat surface.
 19. The stand assembly of claim 12, whereinsaid first section further comprises a means for laying stably flat on asurface.